The Problem with "Things"

Mar 30, 2008 - 21:44 PM PST
For my comp class I have to read a book called A Path With Heart by Jack Kornfield and it really got me thinking. In the beginning he discusses how he was a Buddhist monk and at that point in his life he did not have many possessions beyond his robe and bowl. As I was reading I began thinking about all of the possessions that we have and depend on in order to get through our daily lives. Cars, ipods, cell phones, computers, television, microwaves are just a few of the things we use each day. I find that insane that we use all of these things on a daily basis and what does it get us? In my opinion it takes away from the wonderful world that we were given and presented with each day. It's incredible that people like monks live so simply and are able to find happiness in meditation and prayer and yet we get angry if someone is taking too long on the line at the supermarket. I mean, we have all of these things but what does that mean? I think that it has been proven over and over again that things really can't fulfill a person's needs. Cell phones and other communication devices takes away from the human interaction that we need to experience with other people on a daily basis. Using spark notes on the computer takes away from the experience of sitting with a good book having it's story draw you in and bring you to another world that is not your own. Television's give you artificial entertainment allowing individuals to continually be lazy and not do something substantial like going out for a walk or maybe playing a sport. All of these things that we have take away from experiences we need to have in order to lead happy and healthy lives. Yes, I know a lot of you are probably thinking that well if I didn't have my cell phone I don't know what I would do or if I couldn't watch One Tree Hill every Tuesday's where else would I find that kind of entertainment and the fact is you have to think. There was a time before cell phones and televisions when people had to have a conversation with other people who were right next to them. A time when dinner was spent at the kitchen table and not in a McDonald's and I think that we have lost that connection with the different things around us and we rely so much on the technology we've been given. It's strange, for about 8 1/2 months out of the year I live at college with no car. I walk in order to get everywhere and I totally forgot what that was like. Where I come from you need to drive in order to get from point A to point B; granted you can walk to a few close-by places but most of the time it's necessary to drive. Now here in this small town I walk constantly and I love it; I love being able to put in my headphones and walk to my classes in the morning and just feel the day come to life in front of me. This world around us is so beautiful and awe-inspiring and with all of the technology and "progress", we have lost some of the beauty that used to be found wherever you looked. I think that it's important to not lose sight of the beauty we have around us and the interactions we have with other people because of all of these "things" we've been given. Things can't bring you full and complete happiness but if you look around you might be able to find it somewhere you least expect it.

The Problem with "Things"


Channel Mind | 79 Views | 2 Comments
     

2 Comments

Apr 05, 2008 - 22:29 PM

jadebug on
I'd have to agree w/ u there....hmmmm :)
Mar 31, 2008 - 16:33 PM

freecoffeekate on
I agree with you (again). It was buddha who said "for one to reach true happiness he must first come to the realization that everything around him is an illusion"... I enjoy your blogs.